2012 Lamborgini Aventador ReviewLamborghini’s 2012 Aventador LP700-4 is the Bolognese carmaker’s latest scissor-door, mid-engined supercar. The sleek, sharp-edged machine cuts a sinister profile that says much about its capabilities on the road. The stiff monocoque chassis is made entirely of carbon fiber-a Lamborghini first-and the body is a mix of carbon fiber and aluminum, with a three-position rear wing that deploys at different speeds.

WalkaroundThe heart of the Aventador–as is the case with every Lamborghini–is its engine. The car is powered by a mid-mounted 6.5L V12. The engine features variable valve timing and a dry sump lubrication system, which allows it to sit lower in the car for an improved center of gravity. The big V12 produces 700 hp at 8,250 rpm and 507 ft-lb of torque at 5,500 rpm. All that power is put to the road through a smart all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed sequential manual transmission that offers near-instantaneous shifts.

SummaryThe Aventador rides on alloy wheels (19 inches front, 20 inches rear) and Pirelli PZero tires, with large carbon ceramic disc brakes providing stopping power. Suspension is and advanced system fitted inboard via pushrod monotube dampers, much like the setup found on open-wheel race cars. The cockpit is an exercise in race-car-for-the-street ergonomics. All instrumentation is displayed on an LCD screen, with a separate LCD for the navigation and stereo system. Interior surfaces are leather and available in nearly any color combination, thanks to Lamborghini’s Ad Personam customer individualization program. Driver-controlled electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard, as is a cabin full of intelligent airbags.